I spoke these words at Kathy's memorial service but wanted to leave them here as well. How I described my friend Kathy.
When she saw something that needed done she did it. When she saw someone in need she fulfilled them, and when she saw someone that needed a friend she became one. I am so blessed she was mine.

We were so blessed to serve the people of St. John's Church alongside Kathy and Christa in the last years of their lives.  Foster Pinkney and I, along with many others, have such fond memories of Kathy, her devotion to her friends and her family, her care for others, and her commitment to our young people and their futures.  Her light shined brightly, and she is missed.

It hurts my heart to say good bye. I have known Kathy and family for over 60 years. She can now be with her mom, dad, sister and daughter. She was a great classmate and  friend over the years and I felt bad I was 1000 miles away and could not see her. My deepest sympathy to family. 

Susan (Bajus) Fitzpatrick,
Amanda Fitzpatrick

Such a kind soul, always a friendly word for all. Sympathy to her family.


Jan Goodfleisch Duncan . . . Marion Franklin Class of 1965

I've known Kathy since elementary school. Kept in contact off and on over the years. Saw her at St.John's multiple times, and of course at her house in Gahanna when the old Marion-Franklin crowd go together there. Toward the end visited her with Sue Brown and Alana Donley at her nursing home. Very sad how her life ended. She must be commended for being a great mother to Christa. I was continually impressed how devoted and helpful she was to her daughter. She was an example to all parents everywhere who have handicapped or disabled children. Rest in Peace.  from Mike Schoonover

I met Kathy in the winter of 1980-81 on my first Cols Ski Club trip to Blue Mountain, Canada.   It was cold but we all enjoyed the trip.  Kathy always had a smile and positive attitude.  We later skied at Clear Fork and Mansfield on Friday nights with Phil and others. I know how dedicated Kathy was to her daughter, Christa, and love she had for her.  In heaven, Kathy and Christa are together again. Prayers for Kathy's family and friends.  Claudia Speakman

Kathy was such a kind and loyal friend.  While she will be missed on earth, she is in a much better place with her Mom and Daughter.  I cannot attend her service but my thoughts and prayers shall be with family and friends as they mourn the loss and celebrate her life.

Mary Lou Riffle Jackson

Kathy shared her Christa-equipped van with me on a 2005 trip to Orlando and and a teachers' convention.  We all shared smiles when Kathy stopped to visit friends in their Southern lake home, and to her delight, Christa went out with the host to paddle/swim in the lake, with a special inner tube. 
   Anyone who knew Kathy would enjoy watching an alpaca exercise with her, witnessing a tie fastened to Christa's wheelchair to be pulled around the animal's area. And Kathy was well-rounded, as she included me a couple seasons at Snowtrails in Mansfield for some downhill skiing.  Kathy was a treasure to know, and our Alpha Delta Kappa group has missed her the past two years.  She has had valuable loving health supporters in Paula and Phil, her brother, and her teaching and high school friends.  And many more.  
Pat Clous

My memories of Kathy go back to our childhood when as cousins I spent many weeks during summers with Kathy, Gretchen and Fritz at their home.  We would pick corn from the garden and sell at the roadside.  We jumped on the bed and broke the slats.  We went swimming in the community pool.  Life was full and fun.  After moving away my contact was less with Kathy, but when we visited it was her devotion to Christa which was always paramount.  She was a wonderful mother and daughter to Christa and Aunt Margie.  Now, RIP dear Karthy.

Kathy always had a smile and kind words for her classmates. We started first grade together and went through to graduation from Marion Franklin High School. Know she is at peace now.

Kathy, had a strong impact on my life, she had a very kind and caring heart. I will miss her light in this world.  I am glad she is no longer in pain. And she is with her sweet baby girl.

OBITUARY

Kathleen J Markus

September 7, 1946 – August 8, 2020

Schoedinger Midtown

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